United manager Simon Grayson expects Robert Snodgrass and Billy Paynter to return in action in a behind-closed-doors game at Thorp Arch this week.

The duo have both been sidelined since pre-season, but returned to training last week.

"They've both been training and they've made really good progress," said the boss.

"The next stage is match fitness now and with no reserve game, we have a behind-closed-doors game this week when they will both play.

"They are obviously two big players for us. Billy played twice in pre-season and everyone knows about Snoddy and what he is capable of.

"It was disappointing for them both. Billy had only been with us for a month and had just scored his first goal, and Snoddy was looking sharp and in good form when he suffered the injury in Norway."

Grayson is also likely to use the game for some his other players to top up their match fitness, although with two Championship games this week, his first team squad do have a busy few days.